United Way of the Greater Triangle
DURHAM -- As United Way of the Greater Triangle winds down its annual campaign, fundraising efforts by Triangle businesses show us the heart of philanthropy. Through those companies' financial efforts, UWGT continues to support 164 programs offered by 95 partner agencies throughout Durham, Johnston, Orange and Wake counties.
"Contributing corporate citizens" perfectly describes Durham's GlaxoSmithKline and Research Triangle Park's RTI. Generous corporate philanthropists, both companies excel in investing in their communities by investing their time, talent and treasure on behalf of United Way as they promote the philosophy of "Live United."
In 2008, GSK made a $229 million investment in the Triangle community. Besides money, GSK provides medicine, time and equipment for sustainable improvements in health and education throughout the community. Around the world GSK supports disaster and humanitarian relief efforts to ensure quality of life for all. It's how GSK shows its employees "Live United."
Historically, GlaxoSmithKline has made the largest corporate gift to United Way of the Greater Triangle. Over the past five years, employees of GlaxoSmithKline have invested $3.3 million in United Way of the Greater Triangle. This incredible generosity is matched, dollar for dollar, by GlaxoSmithKline which, when combined with the employees' contributions, is an incredible $6.6 million.
Bill Shore, GSK director of U.S. community partnerships, a long time supporter of United Way of the Greater Triangle, and a former Campaign Cabinet Chair for Durham County, explains his support, "I live United by designating part of my United Way Greater Triangle donation to my home county of Durham. There are many people in difficult circumstances across the entire UWGT area and I'm proud to join with my colleagues to make a positive difference in their lives by supporting United Way."
GlaxoSmithKline also encourages and allows its employees to volunteer on company time. The "Orange Day" volunteer program sees hundreds of GlaxoSmithKline employees in their local communities providing thousands of hours of direct volunteer aid to nonprofits and schools. For example, for the past six years GSK has supported United Way's partner agency, Durham Rescue Mission's (www.durham rescuemission.org) Back-to-School Party in North Carolina. The event helps to put back the fun into returning to school. About 220 GSK employees get involved with this project every year.
RTI began its first United Way workplace campaign in 1996. This year RTI saw a 40 percent increase in employees donating. In addition, RTI hosted the annual United Way CEO breakfast which had a sharp increase of Triangle business CEOs and presidents in attendance in 2008.
United Way volunteerism also tops RTI's list and RTI president Victoria Haynes served as the ambassador chair for the 2009 United Way campaign. RTI chief financial officer Jim Gibson was chair for the Durham campaign cabinet, and chief operating officer for international development, Lisa Gilliland, has served on the United Way Women's Leadership Council for the past two years.
Beyond United Way, RTI serves its community through its use and support of green power, encourages staff members to use alternate forms of transportation to and from work to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion, and provides healthy farm products to those working in Research Triangle Park.
RTI's mission, to improve the human condition, sums up its philanthropic spirit and how its employees choose to "Live United." RTI believes it is more important than ever for individuals to understand and respond to the increased demand on charitable organizations in the Triangle. "It is during times like these when our sense of community is most important," Gibson says. "Supporting United Way by giving, volunteering and advocating will help ensure that the needs of our neighbors continue to be met in a sustainable and measurable manner."
